Cookstown 52 – Ballynahinch 12
Cookstown got back to winning ways on Saturday past as they ran out comfortable victors against a competitive Ballynahinch side. Played in good conditions, Cookstown finished off their home fixtures with a bang and gave Stevie Quinn a victory in his first game as captain of the club.
Cookstown were quickly on the front foot and following numerous phases Tomas Mauricas burst through 2 tackles to score. This was quickly followed by a try from Marty McCreesh with his first for the club. Ballynahinch responded though and scored under the posts to reduce the deficit to 10-7. This was as good as it got for the Down club though as Cookstown extended their lead just before the half time whistle as McCreesh got his second following a pick and go and this left the half time score 17-5.
Ballynahinch started the 2nd half in determined fashion and got the first try of the half to reduce the deficit to 17-12. This kicked Cookstown into gear however, and they reeled off a further 5 tries in the remainder of the second half. Connor Harte got the first of these tries as he finished off a fine move and following great work from Red Ross Falkingham, Marty McCreesh completed his hattrick. There were further tries from Jonathan Harkness with 2 and Owen Mallon consolidated his lead in the top try scorer with another pack lead score to leave the final score 52-12.
Director of Rugby Liam Currie commented afterwards,” It was good to get back to winning ways again and also good to see a few boys getting game time and getting their names on the scoresheet. It was a much improved performance against a typically battling Ballynahinch side. All in all it was a satisfactory way to round off our home campaign and indeed my successful reign as CRFC Director of Rugby. I am confident I have left the club in better condition than when I arrived and am leaving it in safe hands with Stevie Quinn.”
Thanks to Daron Paterson as ever for his photography on Saturday and throughout the season. Thanks also to the Dunleath Bar for the post-match refreshments.
